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RAMAKRISHNA ANANDA

Suffering and the Spiritual Path

Is most suffering due to a spiritual problem?

In the view of yoga, most of our suffering is due to spiritual ignorance. Even though we are spiritual beings, often we do not recognize this. Explore yogic ways to lessen suffering by learning about karma (the law of cause and effect) and how you can change your experiences by generating better causes. Seek to understand the lessons which life is attempting to teach you. Through practicing yoga and the spiritual path, you can be transformed in consciousness and live a truly joyful life.

Sunday Morning Talks

You Can Decrease Your Suffering

How can we lessen suffering? Seek wisdom so you may avoid repeating the cause of suffering. Prayerfully ponder:  How may I avoid experiencing this pain again?

A more direct way is to cry out to Spirit:  Lord, I am suffering. Come into my life and consciousness.  Help me with this. Sincerely crying out in this manner allows you to make contact with the Lord. Sometimes pain is the best motivator for intense attunement and breakthroughs.

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  • Most suffering is due to ignoring Spirit and our true nature
  • Karma explains that suffering is an effect of the causes we have initiated. If we change the causes, we change the effects
  • Life’s pains can become lessons to further growth. The wise learn from their suffering
  • Pray and seek guidance whenever you are suffering
  • The main gifts of suffering are to broaden our awareness, develop compassion, and help us contact our souls
  • As we walk the spiritual path, we can be transformed in consciousness. Suffering will then be diminished and peace, love and joy can abide

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— Ramakrishna Ananda

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